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Volunteer at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games

Be Part of Something Unforgettable!

We’re excited to share a major milestone on the road to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026. The Games are taking place from August 9th to 16th, 2026. 

To make this national celebration of sport and inclusion possible, we’ll need the support of more than 1,500 volunteers. 

From welcoming athletes and guests to managing logistics and creating unforgettable moments, volunteers will play a vital role in every corner of the Games experience.

This is about more than one week next summer. Every volunteer will need to complete two essential training courses, helping us build a legacy of skilled, community-minded leaders who will continue to make Medicine Hat shine long past the closing ceremony.

Volunteer Registration is Officially Open!

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A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE YOU REGISTER

  • Mobile devices are not ideal for completing the registration process.

  • The system uses the save button to record your information. The submit button will not save your information.

  • Make sure yours meets all requirements - minimum length, upper and lowercase letters, a number, and a special character. If your password isn’t accepted, try adjusting one of these elements and be sure to hit save once it’s set.

  • At times, the system may “spin” while updating fields (e.g., when you select Canada, it may take a few seconds for the provinces to appear). This is normal—just give it a moment or refresh the page if needed.

  • Yes, there are two online mandatory training courses that must be completed by every volunteer. Some roles may require a Police Information Check as well.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding volunteering, please contact volunteer@socmedhat2026.ca

Who Can Volunteer?

  • Individuals aged 16+ as of June 2026 

  • Volunteers in leadership roles must be at least 18 years of age 

  • Any volunteer under the age of 16 must be approved by the Director of Volunteers and have written consent from their parent/guardian to volunteer with the Games.  

  • This volunteer can only volunteer under the supervision of an adult who has a clear police information check with vulnerable sector or attestation form.  

  • The supervisor must be in the director’s supervision and in close proximity to the under-age volunteer.  

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Why Volunteer?

By volunteering at the Games, you will be a part of the largest multi-sport and cultural event ever hosted in Medicine Hat! You will have the opportunity to form new connections, see firsthand the impact of the Games, and learn about our talented Special Olympics athletes from across Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

RECRUITMENT

  • Not at all! We are grateful for all helping hands. Whether you are a first timer or a professional volunteer, you will receive training before the Games. Some specialized roles may require experience (e.g., medical staff, sport officials), while most roles simply need enthusiasm and commitment.

  • Yes, volunteers of all abilities are welcome. Please indicate on your volunteer application if this applies to you, and the volunteer team will work to make this a meaningful experience for you. 

  • Yes, we encourage you to apply to volunteer with the Games. Once you apply, you will be contacted to ensure we match you with a position that best accommodates your accessibility needs. Your full-time aid/support worker will also need to go through the volunteer registration and screening process and will be identified through a follow up conversation to your application.

  • Committee Directors and Chairs who have played a key role in shaping the Games and continue to support their success have already been recruited. Now, we’re focused on building our incredible Games-time volunteer team. 

    Games-time volunteers are the operational heart of the Games. Whether you love being behind the scenes or in the middle of the action, there’s a role for you. Volunteers will receive training, support, and a few fun perks to make the experience unforgettable. 

    You’ll have a chance to choose your preferred roles and availability when signing up through the online portal. You can also go back and change your preference after your initial registration.

  • The Games run August 9 - 15, 2026, but volunteers are needed:  

    • Pre-Games (present until August 9, 2026) 

    • Games-Time (August 9 - 15, 2026)  

    • Post-Games (August 16 - 18, 2026)  

    Shifts are flexible, and we’ll work with you to accommodate your availability.

  • Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older as of June1, 2026, to be eligible to volunteer with the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026. 

    Any volunteer under the age of 16 must be approved by the Director of Volunteers and have written consent from their parent/guardian to volunteer with the Games.   

    This volunteer can only volunteer under the supervision of an adult who has a clear police information check with vulnerable sector or attestation form.   

    The supervisor must be in direct supervision and in close proximity to the under-age volunteer.

  • Yes, all volunteers must have a working knowledge of English. There will also be roles requiring volunteers to be fluent in both French and English. 

  • Yes, you can! We welcome volunteers from across Canada and the United States. If you’re coming from out of town, you’ll be responsible for arranging your own travel and accommodation.

  • No, all volunteers are responsible for arranging their own travel, accommodation, and meals. Light snacks will be available in the Volunteer Lounges during your shifts.

  • There are many hotel options in Medicine Hat. It is recommended that you reserve a room as soon as possible.

  • We are grateful for your interest in volunteering for the Games. Unfortunately,  we are not accepting volunteers from outside Canada and the United States, and we’re unable to assist with international travel logistics or expenses. 

    We appreciate your support from afar and encourage you to cheer on the athletes and volunteers from wherever you are.

  • You’re in the right place! The official Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 website is one of the best sources for up-to-date information on how to get involved.  

    We also encourage you to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media for updates, stories and behind-the-scenes moments.  The Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 website, newsletter and social media channels have the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on getting involved with the Games.  

    SUbscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

REGISTRATION

  • No Problem! If you don’t have access to a computer, you’re welcome to visit the Games Office at 717 16 St SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4X3. We have computers available for volunteers to use, and staff on-site who are happy to assist you with the registration process. The office is open Monday to Friday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM (with the exception of holidays).  You can also access computers at the Medicine Hat Public Library or possibly at your local library.

  • As soon as possible! 

    All volunteers will be required to complete online training and an attestation form. Some roles will also require a Police Information Check as part of the screening process.  

    These steps take time to complete, so registering early gives you the best chance to be matched with the role that fits your interests and availability.

  • No problem! We understand that schedules can change, and we’ll work with you to find shifts that fit.  

    When you register, indicate your general availability (pre-Games, during Games or post-Games) to the best of your knowledge. You’ll have the opportunity to refine your schedule and accept or decline shifts based on your schedule as we get closer to the Games by logging into your GEMS.pro account https://soc2026.gems.pro/


  • There is no set deadline at this time, but we encourage you to register as soon as possible. 

    Volunteer roles are expected to fill up quickly and once we reach capacity, additional volunteer hopefuls will be placed on a waiting list.

  • Yes, please log into your GEMS.pro volunteer account  https://soc2026.gems.pro/ to update your profile settings.  

    Please keep your name, address, email, and phone number up to date on your profile through the duration of the Games.

  • If you haven’t received any updates, there are a few things to check. First, make sure your volunteer registration is fully completed in the online portal. Some volunteers may have started but not finished the process. We also recommend logging into your volunteer profile to confirm your contact information is correct and your account is set up properly. 

    Keep an eye on your inbox for messages from noreply@gems.pro and volunteer@socmedhat2026.ca. These are the main email addresses used to communicate with volunteers. If you haven’t seen anything, check your junk or spam folder just in case. 

    If you’re still unsure, feel free to reach out to our volunteer team at volunteer@socmedhat2026.ca. We’re happy to help!

  • We understand that things come up. If your availability changes, just let us know as soon as possible so we can adjust schedules accordingly. At any time, you can adjust your availability and interests by logging into your GEMS.pro account https://soc2026.gems.pro/ 

SCREENING PROCESS

  • The safety and security of everyone involved in the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 is our top priority. To help ensure a safe environment for all participants, some roles may require a Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector (PIC-VS) based on the level of access or responsibility the position involves.

  • No, not yet. Not all volunteer roles require a Police Information Check. 

    If it’s needed for your role, the volunteer team will contact you directly with instructions. Please wait until you’ve been notified before starting the process.

  • After completing your registration, attestation form, required training and - if applicable a satisfactory Police Information Check, you’ll receive notification confirming your approval as a Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 volunteer. Your status will be updated in your GEMS.pro volunteer account https://soc2026.gems.pro/ once you’re approved. Log in regularly to stay informed and watch your inbox for emails from the Games Volunteer Team with the next steps.

ASSIGNING ROLES

  • No, signing up is just the first step. Once you complete the online application, your information will be reviewed by our Registration & Recruitment Team. We match volunteers to roles based on skills, interests, and availability. Most role placements will begin in Spring 2026, so keep an eye on your email and volunteer profile for updates as we get closer to the Games.

  • Yes, we encourage group volunteering! Whether it's with family, friends, co-workers, or teammates. Just let us know when signing up, and we’ll do our best to place you together. While we can’t guarantee group placements due to the scale of scheduling, we’ll make every effort to accommodate your request. Volunteers with accessibility or accommodation needs who have a full-time support person will be scheduled together as part of a single position.

ORIENTATION

  • Volunteers will receive a general overview of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 – including key details and expectations- at the Volunteer Rally, a high energy kickoff event designed to celebrate our volunteer team and build excitement for the journey ahead. The rally will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat. 

    Save the date! Invitations will be sent to approved volunteers closer to the event. Please keep checking your inbox for updates from the Games Volunteer Team.

  • We’re so excited you’re coming to Medicine Hat to be part of the Games! If you’re arriving just a few days before your scheduled shifts, please contact us at volunteer@socmedhat2026.ca to arrange a time for your orientation session.  

    During this session, you’ll receive a general introduction to the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026, and you’ll pick up your volunteer t-shirt and accreditation.  

    Once you’re on-site, the Director or Chair of the committee you’ll be working with will coordinate your role – and venue – specific training based on your volunteer schedule.

    To help keep everyone informed, we also plan to send out a recap of the key information shared at the Volunteer Rally to all volunteers.

TRAINING

  • To get you prepared for the Games, there will be mandatory training for all volunteers. 

    Special Olympics Learn Training (SO Learn) – This self-guided online training is a general orientation to Special Olympics and provides volunteers with specific information for our Games.  

    Safe Sport Training – This Self-Guided training provides education to understand that everyone has a role to play in keeping sport safe. 

    Role-Specific Training – Information about specific tasks you will perform in your area and role.

  • Most training will be available online. However, some roles will require you to be onsite for venue/sports/event training. If you are coming from out of town to volunteer arrangements can be made to schedule the onsite training.

  • Each online course is currently estimated to last about 45 minutes. Most volunteers can expect to complete a total of 2 – 3 hours of training, which may spread across multiple sessions depending on your role and schedule. 

    We’ll make sure training is focused, practical, and respectful of your time – while giving you everything you need to feel confident and prepared.

  • Volunteers will receive an email with instructions as soon as online training becomes available. The message will include details on how to access the training and what to expect.

  • We ask that you complete your training promptly once you receive notifications that it is available. Online training must be completed before volunteers can be scheduled for shifts. Completing it early helps us move forward with assigning your role and preparing for the Games.

THE GAMES

  • Yes! Volunteers with an accreditation tag will receive complimentary access to City of Medicine Hat public transit for the duration of the Games. While not every venue may be directly on a transit route, most sport venues will have stops nearby, making it easier for volunteers and guests to get around and enjoy the action.

  • For safety reasons, children are not permitted to accompany volunteers during shifts. Please make arrangements for childcare while you are volunteering to help ensure a safe and focused environment for everyone.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION

  • Absolutely! Volunteers are at the heart of the Games, and we’re excited to recognize your time and energy with a few special perks: 

    • An exclusive Volunteer T-shirt to wear with pride 

    • Access to volunteer celebrations, including the high-energy Volunteer Rally before the Games and the Volunteer Appreciation after they wrap up.   

    • Meal voucher for any shift that’s four hours or longer. 

    • Free access to City Transit during the Games – just show your accreditation badge and ride for free! 

    • The chance to be part of one of the biggest events in Medicine Hat’s history 

    • And most importantly – an unforgettable experience alongside incredible people from across Canada and beyond.

  • Not at all!!! Your official volunteer t-shirt is provided free of charge as part of your volunteer experience. We encourage you to wear it proudly while on shift throughout the Games – and long after – as a way to celebrate your role in bringing the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 to life.

  • There will be light snacks available in the volunteer lounges at the venues.  

    Any volunteer who works a 4-hour shift or longer will receive a meal voucher that they can redeem at any of the food trucks and concessions that will be on site.

  • We’re here to help! If you have a question that wasn’t covered, please reach out to us at volunteer@socmedhat2026.ca and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.  

    Thank You for being a part of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026 - we’re so glad you’re here.